In journalism, there’s something called the telling detail. It’s what professional journalists do when they observe the person they’re interviewing and writing about, or the place where a crime or fire has taken place, or a restaurant they are reviewing.

So if the person you are interviewing has a photo of President Obama in a frame on her desk, that might be a telling detail about the power and importance of the interviewee. Or if a 20-something sports an antique ring, that might be her telling detail. Or if a middle-aged man’s hair is dyed purple, that might be a clue as to their personality.

Today I’d like to invite you to start seeing the world through its telling details. Really look into a person’s face. . .study his or her eyes. . .remember the hair color and the way their hair is parted.

Smell the air as you walk the city streets. Notice how it changes from sea-salty to grease-trap to whiff of cologne, all within a block or two.

Look at the sky and watch the ever-changing colors and cloud patterns.

I guess I’m saying, just BE MORE AWARE of the people and places that surround you.